What is Jewish Renewal?
Jewish Renewal is a worldwide, trans-denominational movement grounded in Judaism’s prophetic and mystical traditions. Jewish Renewal carries forward Judaism’s perpetual process of renewal. Renewal honors the important and unique role of each denomination and does not seek to become a denomination. Because of the emphasis on direct spiritual experience, mystical or Kabbalistic teachings, Jewish Renewal is sometimes referred to as Neo-Hasidic or Four Worlds Judaism (a reference to the “four worlds” of Jewish mysticism).
Renewal endeavors to reinvigorate modern Judaism with Kabbalistic, Hasidic and musical practices from ancient mystic Judaic traditions and pre-war Europe, meditation, gender equality and ecstatic prayer.
We believe Judaism is an evolving religious civilization. Jewish Renewal does not seek to become a denomination.
Jewish Renewal is sometimes referred to as “New Age” by people who do not know that meditation, dance, chant, and mysticism have been present in Judaism throughout the ages and not, as some mistakenly believe, patched onto Judaism from other cultures. Sadly, some of our authentic, time-honored Jewish beliefs and practices have been lost, leaving many unaware of their existence in Judaism.
Some Jewish beliefs and practices have been lost, and many are unaware of their Jewish existence; so many spiritually-sensitive Jews seek spiritual connection in other faiths. Jewish Renewal brings these beliefs and practices back with a modern day application.
This differentiates us from the Baal T’Shuvah movement, which we refer to as Restorationist. Jewish renewal seeks to bring creativity, relevance, joy, and an all embracing awareness to spiritual practice, as a path to healing our hearts and finding balance and wholeness – tikkun halev. Jewish renewal acts to fully include all Jews and to respect all peoples.
Jewish Renewal acts to fully include all Jews and to respect all peoples. Renewal helps heal by promoting justice, freedom, responsibility, caring for all life and the earth that sustains all life: tikkun olam.
Jewish Renewal helps to heal the world by promoting justice, freedom, responsibility, caring for all life and the earth that sustains all life – tikkun olam.
Renewal reviews and makes Judaism’s “hidden treasures” accessible to seekers. Welcome to joyful Judaism.